The Setting

a) Geographical Setting: The action in the play takes place in the Fondom of Ewawa, a fictional traditional community. The play moves around important communal and sacred spaces, especially:

– Shey Ngong’s sacred grove

– The palace

– The marketplace

–  Farmlands

–  Other spaces associated with traditional and spiritual life.

The opening and closing of the play at Shey Ngong’s grove give the sacred space considerable dramatic importance.

b) Social Setting: The social setting of the play is the traditional African society. In the land of Ewawa: The Fon occupies a position of authority, a council of elders traditionally participates in governance, the chief priest has an important spiritual responsibility, women depend heavily on the land for their livelihood, traditional titles and ceremonies have social significance, the ancestors and supernatural forces are believed to influence human affairs. The play therefore combines traditional African institutions with political and social conflict.